What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
essentially
Example
The book is essentially about the power of love. [essentially: adverb]
Example
The essence of the problem lies essentially in the lack of communication. [essentially: adverb]
fundamentally
Example
The issue is fundamentally a matter of trust. [fundamentally: adverb]
Example
The two theories are fundamentally different in their approach. [fundamentally: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Essentially is more common in everyday language than fundamentally, which is more often used in technical or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between essentially and fundamentally?
Fundamentally is generally considered more formal than essentially, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
